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U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Whitehead (left) and Lt. Col. Andrew Garwitz (right), both with the D.C. National Guard, stand in front of the formation with the brigade colors during the 260th Special Purpose Brigade activation ceremony at the activation ceremony at the D.C. Armory in Washington, D.C., March 7, 2026.

D.C. National Guard Activates 260th Special Purpose Brigade to Strengthen Security in the Nation’s Capital
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the District of Columbia National Guard, hosts a Law Enforcement Recognition Ceremony recognizing partner law enforcement agencies at the D.C. Armory, Feb. 26, 2026. Distinguished guests included U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi; Gady Serralta, Director of the U.S. Marshals Service; and Jeffery Carroll, Interim Chief of Police for Metropolitan Police Department. The ceremony recognized officers from 10 local and federal law enforcement agencies for their partnership with the National Guard and contributions to public safety in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission. Officers received the District of Columbia National Guard Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal or Distinguished Service Medal based on their individual achievements and level of impact.

D.C. National Guard Hosts Ceremony Recognizing DC Safe and Beautiful Partners
Col. Larry Doane, commander of Joint Task Force–D.C., and Command Sgt. Maj. Scott McKennon conduct a leadership circulation across Washington transit corridors Feb. 13, 2026, while supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission. The senior leaders engaged Soldiers at multiple Metro stations, reinforcing standards, sustainability and partnership with civilian law enforcement as more than 2,600 National Guard members continue providing lawful support to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Master Sgt. William Blankenship)

Mic'd Up: Guard Leaders Stand with Soldiers to Strengthen the Homeland
U.S. Army Soldiers assigned to the Mississippi National Guard conduct a presence patrol near the Thomas Jefferson statue inside the Jefferson Memorial in Washington, Feb. 10, 2026. Operating as part of Joint Task Force–District of Columbia, the Soldiers provide a visible and steady presence at historic landmarks in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. William Blankenship)

National Guard Presence Patrols Support Public Safety in Washington
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Derek Sutton, commander of Task Force Ironman, goes mic’d up while conducting patrols in Washington, Jan. 13, 2026. Sutton leads Guardsmen from multiple states supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, working alongside local and federal law enforcement partners to enhance public safety and visible presence across the nation’s capital.(U.S. Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. William Blankenship)

Mic’d Up: Walking the Mission with Task Force Ironman
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, interim commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard, visits with Soldiers and Airmen supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission in Washington, D.C., Jan. 31, 2026. As the senior leader of the D.C. National Guard, Blanchard provides command oversight and guidance to National Guard forces supporting public safety and interagency coordination across the capital. His visit reinforced the importance of disciplined presence, partnership with local and federal agencies, and sustained readiness in support of the mission. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. William Blankenship)

Decisions in Motion: Leadership at Street Level in Washington
Ohio National Guard Soldiers supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission stand watch in their assigned patrol area in Washington, D.C., January 2026. Through presence patrols across key transit hubs and surrounding neighborhoods, the Soldiers work alongside local and federal law enforcement partners to help deter crime and enhance public safety. Their visible presence reinforces community confidence and supports a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to keeping the nation’s capital safe and accessible. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. William Blankenship)

Finding Common Ground in the Nation’s Capital
Spc. Lily Castro, an Alabama National Guard Soldier assigned to Joint Task Force–District of Columbia, pauses in a Metro station in Washington, Jan. 9, 2026. Castro supports the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, operating alongside local and federal law enforcement partners to promote coordination, public safety and confidence across the National Capital Region. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. William Blankenship)

Interagency by Design: Unity of Effort Powers the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Mission
U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, interim commanding general of the District of Columbia National Guard, visits Soldiers patrolling metro stations in Washington, D.C., Jan. 29, 2026. Approximately 2,600 National Guard members support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission by assisting the Metropolitan Police Department to help ensure the safety of residents, commuters and visitors throughout the District. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Paris Hayes)

Brig. Gen. Blanchard Visits Soldiers in Patrolling in DC
Chief Warrant Officer 5 Robert W. Gibson Sr., command chief warrant officer of the District of Columbia National Guard, observes Soldiers during a nighttime presence patrol in Washington, D.C., Jan. 30, 2026, in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission. Senior leaders conducted ground-level engagement to assess operations and ensure effective coordination with local and federal partners. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. William Blankenship)

Command Presence on the Streets of Washington
U.S. Army Capt. Jonathon Davis and U.S. Army Spc. Drew Pathammavong, assigned to the Georgia National Guard, conduct a presence patrol in the Anacostia neighborhood during the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission in Washington, D.C., Jan. 26, 2026. The team assumed responsibility for the area following the transition of Florida National Guard forces supporting the mission. About 2,500 National Guard members support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, assisting the Metropolitan Police Department in maintaining public safety for residents, commuters and visitors throughout the District. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Tech. Sgt. Renee Crugnale)

Georgia Guard Members Support Anacostia Area
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Matthew Nowlin, a Guardsman supporting Joint Task Force–District of Columbia, goes mic’d up while visiting Soldiers and Airmen serving across the District, Jan. 9, 2026. The D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission supports public safety through a visible presence, disciplined coordination, and close partnership with local and federal agencies to help ensure the nation’s capital remains safe and secure for residents, commuters and visitors. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. William Blankenship)

Mic'd Up with Lt. Col. Nowlin
U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Dylan Chadbourne, second from left, and Staff Sgt. Hector Amaya, second from right, assigned to the 113th Security Forces Squadron, Joint Task Force – District of Columbia, received awards during a Winter Ceremony held by the U.S. Park Police in Washington, D.C. Jan. 9, 2026. About 2,500 National Guard members are supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission providing critical support to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department in ensuring the safety of all who live, work and visit the District. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Spc. Paris Hayes)

JTF–DC Airmen Recognized for their Efforts
The partially-demolished edifice of Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium is visible from the roof of the DC Armory in Washington, D.C., Aug. 18, 2025. The longstanding landmark fell into disrepair and is being demolished to make way for a new stadium. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Andrew Enriquez)

Last stand for RFK Memorial Stadium
U.S Army Maj. Roy Baker, right, 45th Field Artillery, and Pfc. Radomir Baker, 2-245th Headquarters and Headquarters Company, pose for a photo in the District of Columbia Armory in Washington, D.C. Jan. 13, 2026. About 2,500 National Guard members are supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission providing critical support to the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department in ensuring the safety of all who live, work and visit the District. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Spc. Paris Hayes)

Serving Side by Side: Parent and Child Teams Support D.C. Safe Mission
Current and former members of the D.C. National Guard gathered at the Military Women’s Memorial on Jan. 10, 2026, to honor Ms. Nancy “Mama” Lynch on her retirement after 40 years of dedicated military and civilian service. Lynch’s career spanned decades of mentorship, leadership, and commitment to Soldiers and Airmen of the Capital Guardian community. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Ayan Sheikh)

The Heart of the D.C. National Guard Retires After 40 Years of Military and Civilian Service
Soldiers assigned to the Alabama National Guard and Oklahoma National Guard discuss their experiences supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission while serving in the nation’s capital in Washington, D.C., Jan. 2, 2026. Through presence patrols, community engagement and coordination with local partners, National Guard members assist the Metropolitan Police Department in maintaining public safety at high-traffic locations throughout the District. The mission brings together Guardsmen from across the country to support residents, commuters and visitors while reinforcing readiness, teamwork and community trust. (U.S. Air National Guard video by Master Sgt. William Blankenship and U.S. Army National Guard video by Sgt. 1st Class William Frye)

Making a Difference: Guardsmen Serve the Nation’s Capital
The Army National Guard patch is displayed on the sleeve of a District of Columbia National Guard Soldier supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission in Washington, D.C. Guardsmen provide a visible, disciplined presence and work alongside local and federal partners to enhance public safety, strengthen community trust, and help ensure the nation’s capital remains secure for residents, commuters, and visitors. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Paris Hayes)

Soldier Assists Injured Driver After Rollover Crash
U.S. Army Spc. Ethan Shumar, a combat engineer, front, U.S. Air National Guard Capt. April McClung, a nurse, and U.S. Army Pfc. Jalen Taylor, a unit supply specialist, all assigned to the West Virginia National Guard, patrol near the Judiciary Square Metro station, Jan. 9, 2026. About 2,500 National Guard members support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, assisting the Metropolitan Police Department in maintaining public safety for residents, commuters and visitors throughout the District. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Melissa Sterling)

Air National Guard captain delivers baby in hospital parking lot
U.S. Army Maj. Margaret P. Serrano, Legal Assistance Attorney within the District of Columbia National Guard (DCNG) Office of the Staff Judge Advocate (OSJA), presents vital tools to protect Guardsmen and their loved ones from uncertainty during a crisis, at the D.C. Armory, Jan. 2, 2026. Taking proactive steps to get your legal affairs in order means you can focus on your mission with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your family is secure and your personal wishes are protected. This includes: -Family Readiness: Ensuring you have a Family Care Plan and have legally appointed guardians for your children. -Estate Planning: Creating a Will to direct who receives your property, a Living Will for your end-of-life medical wishes, and a Health Care Power of Attorney to designate someone to make medical decisions if you cannot. -Financial Affairs: Appointing a trusted agent with a Durable Power of Attorney to manage your finances and confirming your life insurance beneficiaries are correct and up-to-date. The goal of the Office of the Staff Judge Advocate is to help Guardsmen achieve legal readiness. Services are completely free and confidential for eligible service members. Legal assistance is available from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the D.C. Armory drill floor on the 1st and 15th of each month. See the QR codes in the video to learn more.

Legal Readiness 101: District of Columbia National Guard Office of the Staff Judge Advocate
DC National Guard News
D.C. National Guard Activates 260th Special Purpose Brigade to Strengthen Security in the Nation’s Capital
U.S. Army Soldiers stand in formation during the 260th Special Purpose Brigade activation ceremony at the D.C. Armory in Washington, D.C., on March 7, 2026. About 2,500 National Guard members are supporting the mission, providing critical assistance to the Metropolitan Police Department to help ensure the safety of residents, commuters and visitors throughout the District. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Shretha Broderick)
March 8, 2026 - The District of Columbia National Guard (DCNG) activated the 260th Special Purpose Brigade March 7 at the D.C. Armory, establishing the only brigade in the U.S. Army specifically designed to coordinate military support to...
D.C. National Guard Hosts Inaugural Law Enforcement Recognition Ceremony
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the District of Columbia National Guard, hosts a Law Enforcement Recognition Ceremony recognizing partner law enforcement agencies at the D.C. Armory, Feb. 26, 2026. Distinguished guests included U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi; Gady Serralta, Director of the U.S. Marshals Service; and Jeffery Carroll, Interim Chief of Police for Metropolitan Police Department. The ceremony recognized officers from 10 local and federal law enforcement agencies for their partnership with the National Guard and contributions to public safety in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission. Officers received the District of Columbia National Guard Commendation Medal, Meritorious Service Medal or Distinguished Service Medal based on their individual achievements and level of impact. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Ayan Sheikh)
Feb. 27, 2026 - The District of Columbia National Guard hosts its first Law Enforcement Recognition Ceremony to honor officers from partner agencies for their service and contributions to public safety in support of the D.C. Safe and...
Telling the Truth in Plain Sight
U.S. Air National Guard Master Sgt. William Blankenship records video alongside Joint Task Force–District of Columbia leadership during a circulation in Washington, Oct. 30, 2025. The Joint Task Force supports civil authorities in the nation’s capital through coordinated security operations, interagency collaboration and disciplined presence. Clear, accurate communication remains central to the mission, reinforcing transparency and public confidence while safeguarding lawful governance. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Angelina Tran)
Feb. 22, 2026 - WASHINGTON —The first time I heard gunfire in Washington, I was standing in a hotel lobby adjusting to the colder air of my first week in the District...
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National Guard News
Arizona Guard Helicopter Battalion Hones Wildfire Response Skills
Soldiers with the 2-285th Assault Helicopter Battalion, Arizona National Guard, conduct helicopter bucket training and qualification in Picacho, Ariz., March 5, 2026. The training sharpens pilot and crew chief coordination while sustaining the unit’s readiness to respond to wildfires and support operations at home and abroad. Photo by Sgt. Samantha Hill.
March 13, 2026 - PICACHO, Ariz. – Soldiers with the 2-285th Assault Helicopter Battalion, Arizona National Guard, participated in helicopter bucket training and qualification at Picacho Stage Field, Ariz., hosted March 5 by the Arizona...
Oregon Guard Specialized Team Boosts Chemical Leak Preparedness
Clackamas and Gresham firefighters prepare to work in a contaminated zone by donning protective chemical suits during response procedures in an Air Monitoring Exercise on Feb. 26, 2026, in Clackamas, Oregon. The training brought together partner agencies, including the Oregon National Guard CBRNE Enhanced Response Force Package, or CERFP, and the Environmental Protection Agency, after an Oregon Emergency Response System notification, with a focus on technical decontamination response actions. This multi-agency exercise improved the synchronization of radio communications across all systems, allowing incident commanders to make informed decisions during real-world emergencies. Photo by John Hughel
March 13, 2026 - PORTLAND, Ore. – The Oregon National Guard's 102nd CBRN, or Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, Defense Enhanced Response Force Package, also known as CERFP, participated in two recent regional training exercises...
Washington Guard Hosts Annual Tribal Police, Counterdrug Conference
Maj. Andriy Karpenko, UAS/C-UAS officer, Washington National Guard Counterdrug Program, discusses different UAS, or unmanned aerial systems, operating systems with police officers at the 2026 Tribal Police Leadership & Counterdrug Conference March 10, 2026, at the Thurston County Readiness Center, Tumwater, Wash. Photo by Joseph Siemandel.
March 13, 2026 - TUMWATER, Wash. – With a focus on increasing public safety and reducing the availability of illegal drugs in Washington Tribes, the Washington National Guard’s Counterdrug Program held its annual Tribal Police Leadership &...
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No matter the conditions. No matter the call. Built on a mission of #partnership, #readiness, and #service our Guardsmen continue a proud legacy of strengthening @USNationalGuard capabilities and supporting communities at home and abroad. #AlwaysReadyAlwaysThere https://t.co/TQFqtSDmee
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Answer the call. Be part of a #mission that protects the National Capital Region! Don’t miss the 2026 DMV Law Enforcement Career Fair on March 14: https://t.co/LEvuefCYUA https://t.co/rSKmit871l
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Join us in welcoming CW2 Brandon J. F. Hickman to the District of Columbia National Guard Capital Cohort. A 120A Construction & Facilities Engineer, Hickman brings 19 years of service after transferring from the United States Army Reserve. https://t.co/njN7Mz2K7w
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Public Service Career Event Join us Saturday, March 14, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. to explore one of the most stable and impactful career paths in the region! Register here: https://t.co/Y4fTzYRuu4 https://t.co/kftfq6Iah8
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From safeguarding constitutional institutions to coordinating with agencies like the U.S. Marshals Service, the 260th Special Purpose Brigade plays a critical role in protecting Washington’s unique operational environment. https://t.co/ZSIrKRjtWk
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🚨Take the first step toward a career that makes a difference in your community! 🚔Don’t miss the 2026 DMV Law Enforcement Career Fair on March 14 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the D.C. Armory. Register here: https://t.co/9tVSLMuvsG https://t.co/MH17BQMeQn
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🇺🇸 The D.C. National Guard activated the 260th Special Purpose Brigade establishing the only brigade in the U.S. Army specifically designed to coordinate military support to civil authorities and protect critical infrastructure in the nation’s capital: https://t.co/7TcWBOc6pD https://t.co/UtnKPGZzol
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Mission readiness starts with teamwork. Soldiers and Airmen building camaraderie through shared challenges strengthens unit cohesion— because together we’re stronger. #DCSAFE https://t.co/S1OMb02Eja
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Combat medic training plays a significant role 24/7🚑! Recently, a pedestrian was severely injured after being struck by a vehicle, prompting a rapid response from emergency personnel, including Sgt. 1st Class Xitlaly Pena, a combat medic with the @arkansasguard. #DCSafe . https://t.co/rSPpGwhnwL
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The streets of Washington were filled with runners Friday morning as the @USNationalGuard joined the U.S. Marshals Service during an annual #HeroesRun, honoring brave law enforcement officers and Guardsmen who gave their lives in the line of duty. #DCSafe #AlwaysReadyAlwaysThere https://t.co/RDRQAxHwvG
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Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney for D.C., joined Leland D. Blanchard II and members of JTF-DC for a presence patrol on the National Mall. Soldiers highlighted standards, capabilities, and partnerships with civilian law enforcement while supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission https://t.co/FPkDVctAmH
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Every action we take communicates who we are. By flawlessly executing even the most routine safety checks, we are sending a clear message: We are disciplined, reliable, and always operate with integrity. #AlwaysReadyAlwaysThere @nationalguardMS https://t.co/0tFFZeHtPR
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U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe's family shares encouraging words for the District's emergency services community, reminding EMTs/paramedics, firefighters, & law enforcement to hold on to hope even in the bleakest situations: https://t.co/Yp5o4aOJHO
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We stand shoulder to shoulder with agencies across our government to ensure every person who comes to the District is safe and free to enjoy this beautiful city! When the public turns to the National Guard in a moment of need, it reflects a deep, enduring #trust. #AlwaysReady https://t.co/m0lNjjOq6X
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RT @USNationalGuard: This Month in the National Guard: Guardsmen respond to winter storms, win the innovation category of the Army’s inaugu…
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Deployments don’t just test those in uniform, they call on the strength of families and communities too. This week’s Motivational Monday Minute highlights how shared sacrifice and family resilience form the backbone of our nation’s defense! #AlwaysReady #AlwaysThere https://t.co/3gDbH5kTAF
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The @USNationalGuard's partnerships with civilian agencies has become a point of pride at the highest levels of government. It’s about a shared #mission, and visible results! https://t.co/Wa2tX9Omq2
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RT @DCPoliceDept: A statement from the Metropolitan Police Department. https://t.co/iHvpe4yd7V
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U.S. Air Force MSgt Billy Blankenship, public affairs specialist within the JTF-DC Joint Information Center, details what it takes to document an unprecedented law enforcement & military collaboration in support of all residents, commuters, & visitors: https://t.co/mrudQXE5gD https://t.co/RvsaLJNTX5
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The D.C. National Guard held its inaugural Law Enforcement Recognition Ceremony honoring partner agencies for their role in the #DCSafe mission. Officers from 10 agencies were recognized with medals and inducted into the Order of the Capital Guardian: https://t.co/8mf5ZG7GM3 https://t.co/CK05p8Rzjm
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Commanding General
                                        
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II
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